The promise of nanotechnology will allow us to easily charge our consumer electronics devices as we walk and move. Specifically, US scientists have developed a microfiber that charges devices as the fiber rubs against itself.

This nanogenerator takes advantage of the semiconductive properties of zinc oxide nanowires -- tiny wires 1,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair -- embedded into the fabric. The wires are formed into pairs of microscopic brush-like structures, shaped like a baby-bottle brush.

One of the fibers in each pair is coated with gold and serves as an electrode. As the bristles brush together through a person's body movement, the wires convert the mechanical motion into electricity.

To be truly green, users could use clothes made of such fabrics and even carry a battery with them that charges as they walk. This battery power could be used to power other devices later.

\n\nThe promise of nanotechnology will allow us to easily charge our consumer electronics devices as we walk and move. Specifically, US scientists have developed a microfiber that charges devices as the fiber rubs against itself.\n\nThis nanogenerator takes advantage of the semiconductive properties of zinc oxide nanowires -- tiny wires 1,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair -- embedded into the fabric. The wires are formed into pairs of microscopic brush-like structures, shaped like a baby-bottle brush.\n\nOne of the fibers in each pair is coated with gold and serves as an electrode. As the bristles brush together through a person's body movement, the wires convert the mechanical motion into electricity.\n\nTo be truly green, users could use clothes made of such fabrics and even carry a battery with them that charges as they walk. This battery power could be used to power other devices later.\n\nMore